Boy Scout troop leader honored for 50 years of service

Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune

Longtime Winnetka Boy Scout Troop 20 scoutmaster Thomas Fritts, left, was honored for his 50 years of service with the organization earlier this month by officials including Village President Gene Greable, right.

Longtime Winnetka Boy Scout Troop 20 scoutmaster Thomas Fritts, left, was honored for his 50 years of service with the organization earlier this month by officials including Village President Gene Greable, right. (Karen Ann Cullotta, Chicago Tribune)

Karen Ann Cullotta, Tribune Reporter

When Thomas Fritts stepped up in 1964 to serve as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 20, Lyndon B. Johnson was president and the Winnetka scouts counted just 19 members.

Seven years later, Fritts presided at the helm of a vibrant North Shore troop that had soared to 120 members and had become a beloved fixture in the community that could be counted on for leading the village's Memorial Day and July 4th celebrations, as well as launching an annual Christmas tree sale the day after Thanksgiving.

"Tom planted a seed that clearly blossomed under his contributions," Trustee Carol Fessler said of Fritts, who was honored by the Winnetka Village Council recently for his 50 years of heading up the village's local Boy Scout troop.

During Fritts' five decades of service, Troop 20 members embarked upon journeys both in the U.S. and abroad while participating in the organization's High Adventure trips, as well as contributing resources to troops in need, officials said.

Leading an estimated 1,000 boy scouts and 223 Eagle Scouts during his tenure, Fritts retired from his day-to-day leadership role of Troop 20 in 1998, but remains involved with the group as Scoutmaster emeritus, officials said.

"He is an institution to Winnetka, and this is a very much appreciated institution," Trustee Richard Kates said.

"Thank you for being a role model," added Trustee Arthur Braun.

"I've been around too long to give a speech, and I can only tell you I was presented with a chance to volunteer with the best," Fritts said. "It's been a fast 50 years."